Alfa Romeo 4C's spectacular beauty from $89,000

THE wait for the Alfa Romeo 4C is almost over. Deliveries will start next month, with prices starting from $89,000 for the base coupe model.

A special Launch Edition, including larger wheels and a rorty sports exhaust system and other carbon trinkets, will also be available for $109,000 - but only 75 units will be available in Australia.

The carbon-fibre Alfa Romeo 4C will be powered by a 1.75-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good enough to propel the sports car from zero to 100kmh in 4.5 seconds.

The 4C isn't about creature comforts - the door handle is a leather strap, there's about enough luggage space for a lunchbox and the light and functional seating is definitely tuned for performance rather than comfort.

It's got 40/60% rear weight distribution before you put the foot down, and when it's got a bit of pace on, those numbers switch and help keep a positive and stable steering feel when you're having some fun.

"Coupled with our dealers, we are thrilled to be bringing this sensational new Alfa Romeo to Australia," said FCA Australia president and CEO Pat Dougherty.

"The 4C marks the dawn of an exciting new era for Alfa Romeo. This is a true Italian supercar, offered at a price that is within reach of many Australians.

"The 4C is the first of an outstanding fleet of Alfa Romeo products and all will share the 4C's focus on style, performance and luxury," Mr Dougherty said.